Can I afford to divorce DH?

[Ombre]

DH and I have been together for 8 years and have 3 DC. Things haven't been good between us for a while and I really have tried, but feel I can no longer cope with his moods and his drinking.

We own an average 3 bed house and have a 150k mortgage. I'm a sahm, DH is the breadwinner.

What would happen if we divorced, would DC and I stay in the house, would we have to sell and buy somewhere cheaper? How could I pay a mortgage??

I feel really trapped........

[DontstepontheMomeRaths]

I'd go to citizens advice for a chat. You'll feel a lot better.

I get by on a part time income, tax credits and child benefit. My mortgage is interest only as I can't afford repayment right now. It's not ideal but I manage. As I work I get no help with my mortgage now.

If you're a lone parent and you rent you can get some help to pay that. If you don't own a house.

When my h first left I had to claim income support and I got some help to pay the mortgage until I returned to work. The mortgage company were very understanding and I had a payment break for awhile until the benefit kicked in. So there are options. Citizen advice can explain them all.

If you return to work you'll get help with childcare if you're on a low income too.

I hope this doesn't confuse you. But don't let money stop you ending things if you're unhappy. House equity would be decided in the divorce. I don't know much about that as there was no equity in our property at the time. So ExH just gave the flat to me and he started again elsewhere. But you will manage ok.

Get some advice and go for it.

[DontstepontheMomeRaths]

Oh I've just seen you have 2 threads on the go.

[Ombre]

I asked mumsnet to move the old thread to legal twice but they haven't so I have just reposted! Thank you for the reply btw

[Ombre]

I don't think my mortgage could become interest only, you can't get them anymore can you?

[DontstepontheMomeRaths]

I couldn't say. I'm with C&G and they didn't have an issue with me swapping but they do regularly remind me that I must have the means to pay it back when it comes to term. I'm still fairly young though. My neighbours were an interest only but are late fifties and the mortgage company asked them to switch to repayment recently.

You get more financial help if you're not a home owner it seems to me. But there's a limit to how many assets you can have to be eligible.

I'd have a chat with citizens advice as I said. They're up to date on what's available.

Can to return to work part time?